CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Q&A with Ethan Gutz

Gutz is a senior graduating in May with degrees in agricultural systems management and agribusiness management.




A student rides a quarter scale tractor.

Q: Why did you choose to come to the University of Missouri?

A: I chose the University of Missouri after meeting with Professor Leon Schumacher. Seeing his enthusiasm about the subjects he taught was inspirational.

Q: Why did you choose to pursue a degree in agricultural systems management and agribusiness management?

A: I chose to pursue a degree in agricultural systems technology to further my technical skills and learn more about the intricate systems that our food supply relies on. I then added a major in agribusiness management to help round out my education. The soft and managerial skills ABM provided paired well with the more analytical and technical skills I acquired in AST.

Q: Were you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A: I was very active in several clubs at the University. I have help build many tractors with the Torq’N Tigers ¼ Scale Tractor Pulling team. I have been able to serve my campus community with my involvement in Alpha Mu. I have also made countless friends and learned a lot from the Agricultural Systems Technology Club and the MU Independent Aggies.

Q: Did you partake in any research, study abroad, or internship opportunities? What did you enjoy about those experiences?

A: I have had the amazing opportunity to study agriculture in France over spring break. Several companies have given me the opportunity to apply what I have learned in the classroom to my internships.

Q: What is a favorite memory you have during your time in CAFNR?

A: I have been blessed with many friends and memories – don’t know if I can single out one particular memory as my favorite. One memory that does stick out is my first time competing with friends at the ASABE ¼ Scale Tractor Design Contest in Peoria, Illinois.

Q: How did your degree program prepare you for the future?

A: I have learned several critical thinking and hard skills from my agricultural systems technology degree which I will employ in my future career. Agribusiness management has also improved my book and soft skills, which I employ in my personal life every day.

Q: What are your future plans?

A: I start as an operations manager with Bartlett Grain in Kansas City upon graduation.